Frequently asked questions
I want to get organized, but…
- It seems too hard.
- Do I have to throw everything away?
- How long will it take?
- Is it worth the time and effort?
- Will I lose all my creativity?
- Shouldn’t I be able to do this by myself?
- What is a professional organizer, anyway?
- What if I’m embarrassed to have you see my mess?
- I’m a packrat. You have no idea how much stuff I have, or how many times I’ve tried to get organized.
- Should I tidy up a bit before you come over?
- How does this work?
Getting organized can seem too difficult and even painful. It helps to work with a professional organizer who understands this and who can walk you through the process, making it as painless as possible. We can organize slowly over time, so it’s not as hard as changing everything at once.
Do I have to throw everything away?
No. Part of getting organized is figuring out your priorities and goals. When you know what’s most important to you, it’s easier to decide what to keep and what to toss. I’ll never tell you to throw anything away. I may strongly suggest giving or throwing something away, but the decision is always yours.
Because each person is different and each project varies in size and complexity, there is no standard answer. In most cases, after my initial consultation with you, I can give you an estimate of how long it might take to complete a project. (See our package pricing information.) Then you can decide whether you want to do it all at once or in bits and pieces over time.
Is it worth the time and effort?
Yes! It’s a small investment with huge returns. Once you’re organized, putting things away is much easier—and faster—because you know where everything goes. You save time because you’re not hunting for the same things repeatedly. You save money because you’re not buying things you already have but can’t find. And you feel better because your environment is simpler and less chaotic.
Will I lose all my creativity?
Many people find that once they’re organized, their creativity increases. They are less distracted by the clutter around them, and they have more time to be creative.
Shouldn’t I be able to do this by myself? Why should I hire someone to help me?
Why do you hire people to fix your car, do your taxes, or renovate your house? You hire people who have the skills, experience, or time that you might lack, just as other people appreciate your skills and experience in your areas of expertise. And even if you have organizational skills, it’s OK to get help to speed a project along or to get a jump-start.
What is a professional organizer, anyway?
A guide. A coach. A helping hand. Someone who can nudge you without judging you. Someone who can help you create a more comfortable home or more efficient office, and who can teach you new skills in the process. Someone who has the skills and experience to help you simplify your environment and set up systems that meet your particular needs.
What if I’m embarrassed to have you see my mess?
Don’t worry. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you, not judge you. Our work with you is always confidential. And where you might see a mess, we see an interesting challenge.
No, really, I’m a packrat. You have no idea how much stuff I have, or how many times I’ve tried to get organized.
No, really, don’t worry. We understand that long-term change is…well… long term. We can’t always guarantee that keeping things organized will be easy, but we’ll make it as easy as possible, or at least easier than it was. The easier a system is for you, the more likely it is that you’ll maintain it. And if you need a regular tune-up, that’s fine. You take your car in for an oil change every 3,000 miles, so why not have periodic household tune-ups?
Should I tidy up a bit before you come over?
No. At least for the first session, it’s best if we see your place in all its untidy glory. Observing how you handle your things now can help us see what is and isn’t working for you.
Here’s the short answer: We come to your home or office, ask you some questions, listen carefully to your answers, and discuss your goals. Then we work side by side with you to sort through and organize your stuff and to set up systems tailored for you. For details, see How we work with you.